Temperature sensitive power converter

Abstract

The present invention provides a power converter for recreational vehicle (RV) batteries that uses time and ambient temperature to control output voltage. By employing a remote temperature sensor attached to the battery post, temperature information is sent to an output voltage control circuit in the power converter. When the power converter is powered up an internal timing circuit increases the output voltage by a preset amount for a timed period for rapid charging but is also adjusted to predetermined temperature curve controlled by the remote temperature sensor to prevent overcharge. The output voltage is held at the increased value until the internal timing circuit times out and the output voltage is reduced (setback) to the float voltage determined by the remote temperature sensor.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present invention relates generally to power converters and more specifically to temperature sensitive power converters for recreational vehicles. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Lead acid batteries are made up of plates, leads, and lead oxide with a sulfuric acid / water solution. Other elements may be used to change density, hardness, porosity, etc. The acid / water solution is an electrolyte solution which causes an electrochemical reaction that produces an electric current. This electrochemical reaction causes sulfur ions to accumulate on the battery plates. Recharging the battery causes the sulfur to return to the electrolyte solution. [0005] Quickly charging the lead acid batteries employed in recreational vehicles (RVs) over wide ambient temperature ranges, without over or under charging, is a problem that has always plagued the industry. Increasing the initial charging voltage for a predetermined length...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] In one embodiment, output voltages are based on battery manufacturers' suggested charging and float voltages versus temperature curves, respectively, for the initial charge and the setback charge. In one embodiment, lower charging voltages are used at low temperature than those suggested by most battery manufacturers due to other loads connected to the battery in recreational vehicles, thus avoiding damage to appliances and lengthening tungsten lamp life considerably. In one embodiment, the converter output voltage is limited to 14.4 volts to minimize this problem, despite any higher recommendation outputs by the manufacturer for a given temperature.

Problems solved by technology

When the power converter is powered up, an internal timing circuit increases the output voltage by a preset amount for a timed period for rapid charging but the output voltage is limited based on the temperature sensed at the battery.

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